Wows and Scowls
Scowl: Three days ago, the good-government group DemocracyRisingPA.com put out a notice that even though 662 days had passed since the July 2005 pay raise, the Pennsylvania Legislature had thus far enacted only one law to improve government integrity, and had enacted zero reform laws that could be defined as “Best in America.” While much attention has been paid to the House Speaker’s Reform Commission, what it’s enacted thus far have been changes to internal rules. Democracy Rising reminds us that on Tuesday, the Senate State Government Committee will hold five “defining votes” on these issues: reapportionment, initiative and referendum, reducing the size of the General Assembly, banning lame-duck sessions and imposing term limits. Pay attention to those votes, if you’re interested in seeing what happens when the rubber meets the road.
Scowl: A federal judge has ruled that an illegal immigrant who wanted to marry a U.S. citizen shortly before his deportation to Mexico should not have been denied a marriage license by the Luzerne County register of wills. The American Civil Liberties Union sued that official on behalf of the unmarried couple, who have a 4-month-old son together. U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo said, “There is ample authority to support the conclusion that (the man), an undocumented alien, possesses the same fundamental right” to marriage as the woman, who is a U.S. citizen. Come again? It’s starting to seem like being a U.S. citizen doesn’t count for much of anything, except for the government being able to keep closer tabs on you.
Wow: A group of upset citizens, led by Connellsville Councilman Brad Geyer, has gone to court to overturn the Fayette County Airport Authority’s January decision to rename the Connellsville Airport in honor Fayette County Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III. Geyer calls it a worthy “David and Goliath” battle, while airport authority solicitor Mark Rowan says the effort is “just a smoke screen and a waste of time.” Rowan also urges the city to address other, more important issues. What Rowan should realize is that for Geyer and others, this is an important issue. And like anyone else, they deserve their day in court. It’s the American way.
Wow: State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-Dunbar) has proposed sensible legislation that would give liability protection to landowners who allow no-fee use of their property for recreational purposes, such as hunting. Kasunic’s bill stems from a case where landowners were held partially liable when a hunter’s bullet traveled a half-mile and struck someone on a different property. If landowners are willing to let others use their property for free, they shouldn’t have to worry about being sued for that act of generosity.
Wow: Whether you agree with its legality or not, it’s good news that the number of abortions performed on Fayette County women dropped 11.5 percent from 2004 to 2005, continuing a three-year decline. That compares to a 3 percent drop statewide, where 33,468 abortions were reported. Fayette’s number dropped from 225 in 2004 to 199 in 2005.